I need help identifying the following critter. Looks like it could be some form of a hermit crab (because of its proximity to the shell), but also looks like it could be a small/juvenile scaly-tailed mantis (because of the coloring). Took the picture in October 2005 in the shallows in front of Yellow Submarine.

Suggestions please.

I don't know what it is, but I think I captured the same critter in March of this year. I'd love to have a name to go with it!

My original photo is much better than what I posted. Seems in reducing it to less than 50 kB, it lost a lot in resolution and clarity. Please e-mail me if you want a copy of the original photo.

Send me the original photo, I'll post it for you in a larger kb. Someone might be able to name it for us?

Jerry,

Photo has been sent to the e-mail address in your profile. Thank you for your help.

Looks like a very young hermit crab.

Purty....

I agree with Leo.

Or a recently molted Hermit which could explain the transparent claws.

It's got some hairy legs!

I too felt it was some form of a hermit crab from the time I first took the photo, but while recently trying to identify several other "TBDs" in my collection, I came across the scaly-tailed mantis shrimp on page 179 of Paul Humann's Reef Creature book. Based on the bulbous "eyes" with black dots at one end for the scaly-tailed mantis versus tubular eyes for the hermit, I tend to think mantis shrimp versus hermit crab. However, Google searches on scaly-tailed mantis shrimp don't quite look like this guy. So....

Well it seems I was wrong and the hermit crab proponents were right (sort of), except it is neither a juvenile hermit crab nor a recently molted hermit crab!

I sent the picture to ReefNet, the people who have created the software that now complements the Humann/DeLoach Reef Fish Identification book. According to Les Wilk, "The critter is Iridopagurus reticulatus, the reticulated hermit crab. It's not in any book I know of." So problem solved.

Further, in answer to my question to them as to whether their current software covered reef creatures and coral, Les replied "We are currently working on a DVD that combines and greatly expands on the Humann & DeLoach creatures and corals books. We are approximately doubling the number species in most groups. Look for it towards the end of this year." I will be watching for it and will buy it when it is released, because if it is anything like my current version of their Reef Fish ID (Ver. 3.0, with Ver. 4.0 on order), it is a great resource for identifying creatures and coral.

Cool! Now we know. Thanks Dr.Director for finding that out!

Dang, Iridopagurus reticulatus was my first choice and I changed my mind the last minute

Leo,

Glad you "really" thought it was Iridopagurus reticulatus but changed your mind before posting. Can I now send you several other critter photos to identify?

Let me download first my "random latin phrasing" software.

Leo, I didn't think you could ever make me laugh....but ya done did!!!!
Thanks